LDS NEST BLOG

Just over two years ago I held a newborn niece and said excitedly, “This is the first time I've wanted to hold a baby since my little brother, Reece, was born!” That was 18 years prior to that moment. Considering the fact that I was due with our first child in three months, I was relieved that I actually wanted to hold a baby again. I never understood the importance of motherhood, thinking that women were made just to have babies and raise them. I never wanted to be a mom. Slowly I’ve learned that motherhood is more than having babies, changing diapers, and gaining weight.

Motherhood is Benevolence; she desires to do good for others before herself.Motherhood is Diligence; striving to accomplish what she’s started.Motherhood is Courage; guiding us through fear, difficulty, anger, sorrow, and pain to find happiness. Motherhood is Compassion; she has the ability to forgive every day Motherhood is Refinement; she is cleansing and in the end, if done well, free of impurities.

“Motherhood is more than bearing children....It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.” –Sheri L. Dew

There is more to motherhood than simply having children. It does not matter if you are single, childless, young, or old; every woman can have the refining power of motherhood.

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! Please share what you've learned about motherhood in the comments!

Interesting. I don't have children, and I feel completely fulfilled and okay with my life. This statement that motherhood is a gift I can have even if I don't have children implies I should be feeling incomplete without it.

Reply

LDS NEST

3/3/2014 01:31:39 am

Interesting thought, although it was never my intention to imply that someone who doesn't have children is unfulfilled or incomplete. Like Sheri L. Dew said, "Motherhood is more than bearing children..." I'm sure every woman who does not have children can develop the same qualities as a woman who does have children.